Jones recalls bad boys
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones has recalled two of the country’s most errant players.
Jones has selected 36 players to assemble in Bristol for England’s latest training camp – from Sunday, September 23, until Tuesday, September 25.
Leicester Tigers’ centre Manu Tuilagi is named in the training squad for the first time in over a year, having last played for England during the 2016 Six Nations.
Danny Care (Harlequins), George Kruis (Saracens), Zach Mercer (Bath) and Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs) all return to the squad for the first time this season.
Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks) is included having last played international rugby in 2014, while uncapped wing duo Nathan Earle (Harlequins) and Joe Cokanasiga (Bath) are also called up.
However, despite the inclusion of a couple off bad boys, the absence of Danny Cipriani will raise eyebrows.
“The training camp in Bristol is our last opportunity to get the squad together before the November Tests so it is vital we put down some parameters, particularly with John Mitchell coming in as defence coach,” Jones said.
“We’ll implement a slightly different defence philosophy building on the great work Paul Gustard has done to keep advancing our defence. It’s a great opportunity for the players to work with John and for the team to keep evolving.
“It’s a chance to get the players thinking about England and the way we want to play for England and the way we want to beat South Africa.
“These players have the opportunity to press their chances for selection ahead of the first Test so they will have to be enthusiastic and ready to give their best.”
Ahead of the November Tests, an England squad will be named on October 18, before they fly to Portugal on October 24 to begin their final preparations for the four-Test series.
England will play South Africa (November 3), New Zealand (November 10), Japan (November 17) and Australia (November 24) at Twickenham Stadium.
Earlier this week, Mitchell was confirmed as England’s new defence coach until the end of the World Cup 2019 and Scott Wisemantel will continue as attack coach for the November Tests.
Eddie gives you the lowdown on @Manutuilagi, @dannycare, and England’s new defence coach John Mitchell: https://t.co/gLp457pMJj pic.twitter.com/RuuOd00ssO
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 20, 2018
England training squad
Forwards: Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Zach Mercer (Bath), Michael Rhodes (Saracens), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Nick Schonert (Worcester Warriors), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons).
Backs: Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Nathan Earle (Harlequins), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).
“Defence is a key pillar of our game and John is an experienced coach.” [Eddie Jones]
Here’s what you need to know about England’s new defence coach, John Mitchell: https://t.co/9KebWVPoBC pic.twitter.com/56ufoWR3Fj
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 18, 2018
